Dhaka, Oct 23 (V7N) – The Bangladesh government has officially banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the Awami League, citing involvement in multiple criminal and terrorist activities. The announcement was made in a notification issued on Wednesday by the Political Branch-2 of the Public Security Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the notification, Chhatra League has been involved in various serious offenses since Bangladesh’s independence, including murder, torture, oppression in student dormitories, seat trading, tender manipulation, rape, and sexual harassment. These activities, especially during the last 15 years of the Awami League's rule, were widely covered in the media, and in some cases, BCL leaders were convicted in court for their crimes.

The notification also highlighted the role of BCL during the anti-discrimination student movement that began on July 15, 2024. BCL activists reportedly launched violent attacks on protesting students and the general public, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and injuring many more. Even after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the Chhatra League has allegedly engaged in subversive and conspiratorial activities against the state.

In response to these incidents, and with sufficient evidence of continued involvement in terrorism, the government invoked the 'Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009,' under which Chhatra League has been banned and listed as a terrorist organization under Schedule-II of the Act.

This decision comes shortly after the anti-discrimination student movement called for a ban on Chhatra League as one of their five key demands. The government responded quickly, issuing the ban just a day after the students renewed their calls for action against the organization.

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